Merivale Mixologist Wins Suntory Cocktail Competition

By Rebecca Harris

The winner of Suntory Australia’s inaugural Ultrapour’s Professional competition was announced at a jam-packed final at Sydney’s Kit and Kaboodle nightclub last night (Jun 9).

Six national finalists from an initial pool of 50 presented their signature cocktails while demonstrating their level of bartending professionalism to a team of judges, with Seb Derbomez from Merivale’s Hemmesphere crowned the overall winner.

The other five finalists were Lucy George from Emporium bar, Brisbane; Tim Wastell from Blue Diamond in Melbourne; Cristiano Beretta from Black Pearl, Melbourne; Marco Noe from Must Wine Bar in Perth; and Steven Burns from Sangria Bar in Adelaide.

Judge and owner of 1806 bar in Melbourne Sebastian Raeburn said it was an extremely close competition and an absolute pleasure to judge.

Open to Club Suntory members – Suntory Australia’s bartending training module – bartenders were asked to create an original cocktail and then invite their local Ultrapour ambassador – Matt Barnett, Mick Formosa or Dom O’Brien – to their venue to sample their drink and present their skills, style and professionalism.

As well as the ‘Ultrapour’s Professional’ title, Derbomez has won a European bar and distillery tour, including $1000 in spending money.